By Clint Thompson Good harvest weather contributed to a solid Vidalia onion crop for producers this year. It should set up a steady supply of produce throughout this summer, according to Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. “I feel like we’re set up really good for …
Florida Ag Commissioner Excited About Hemp Potential
By Clint Thompson One of the top specialty crop-producing states has added another commodity to its impressive resume. Hemp production is in its second year in Florida. There are 895 licenses issued, equating to 1,086 locations and 22,755 permitted acres in 65 of Florida’s 67 counties, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The crop’s potential …
Mexican Imports Costing Georgia Veggies
By Clint Thompson Georgia vegetable producers are enjoying a productive season. It would be even better if not for imports from other countries, specifically Mexico. “Overall, all I’ve heard is that the product is good. It’s a high-quality product that we’ve got this year,” said Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “Unfortunately, in some …
Pecan Crop Looking Better Than Expected
Irrigation Remains Vital During Hot, Dry Conditions By Clint Thompson Pecan harvests are still at least four months away, but the crop is looking better than expected, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “Young trees look really good, most everywhere that I’ve been. Older trees are a little more hit and miss, which we’ve kind …
Weekly Update: UF/IFAS Communication Key in Florida’s Watermelon Production
University of Florida/IFAS Extension agents provide producers key information in a timely fashion through the Weekly Watermelon Update. When an issue emerges – like gummy stem blight for example on May 10 – Bob Hochmuth, a regional specialized vegetable Extension agent and 11 other Extension agents in the Suwanee Valley region, activate an alert system that informs growers and managers …
Future of Fumigation: Is the End in Sight?
By Clint Thompson One of the most efficient ways to control nematodes is through fumigation. Ten years from now, that may not be the case, though, believes Johan Desaeger, UF/IFAS Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology. “I think the fumigants, although they’re still the standard, I don’t think 10 years from now there’s going to be that much fumigation left. …
Cutleaf Evening Primrose Management in Vegetable Production
By Ruby Tiwari and Ramdas Kanissery Cutleaf evening primrose (Oenothera laciniata) is an annual weed (or sometimes a biennial) commonly found throughout vegetable farms in Florida. This weed got its name due to the timing of its flower opening. It tends to close its flowers during the day but opens them during evening or nighttime. Cutleaf evening primrose is a …
Florida Ag Expo Planning Underway
Florida Ag Expo is just six months away on Nov. 18, which means the planning process has started for the educational seminars. The event will kick off with a general session focusing on precision agriculture. There will be a panel discussion and general overview of the latest precision technologies in the industry. The general session will be followed by two …
Weed Control Key in Vegetable Production
By Clint Thompson Weed control remains a vital management tool for Florida vegetable and specialty crop producers. Weeds like nutsedge, ragweed and pigweed can fight for essential nutrients and water that crops need to grow and produce yields. But according to Peter Dittmar, University of Florida/IFAS Extension weed scientist, there are other reasons for producers to try to keep their …
Sneak Peek: June 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Ashley Robinson The June issue of VSCNews Magazine will be your go-to guide for crop health. Carrots are target of plant-parasitic nematodes. The hidden enemy can create serious issues and limit carrot production in the United States. Abolfazl Hajihassani, assistant professor of nematology at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Tifton, shares the latest tips to control nematodes in …